FAQs: COVID-19

What changes should I expect to eye exams and procedures?

• You may be asked to wait outside, or in your car, instead of the normal waiting room. This is to protect you, the other patients, and office staff from possible virus exposure in crowded waiting areas.
• Expect a limitation to the number of people allowed to enter the clinic. If you do not need someone to be there with you, please do not bring anyone to your appointment. If you do, they will be asked to wait in the car.
• You eye doctor may use a breath shield attached on the slit-lamp they use to look into your eyes. They will also wear a mask and/or shield during the exam.
• Your eye doctor may ask you to wait and speak until after your exam is complete. They they can talk to you and answer questions when they can be a safe distance from you.

Can I come in to the exam room with my child or parent with cognitive decline?

If that situation is absolutely necessary, you will be asked to be seated in a waiting chair outside the entry to the exam room. This will allow a safe communication distance to answer any question or concerns during the exam.

What changes should I expect when checking in for my eye appointment?

• You will be required to wear a mask while in the office. If you do not have a mask with you, a disposable mask will be provided.
• You will be asked to use hand sanitizer on the counter when checking in and before leaving the clinic.
• You will have your temperature checked with an infrared thermometer at check-in. If your temperature is above 100.7°F, we will reschedule your appointment.
• If you have been around anyone that has COVID-19 or if you or a family member has traveled outside of the country in the last 3 weeks, we will reschedule your appointment. If you are not feeling well, have a cough, or shortness of breath, or are severely immunocompromised, we will reschedule your appointment.

What is the clinic’s cleaning/disinfection protocol?

We care greatly about your health and safety so to protect our patients and staff you can expect the following:

• Hand washing (20 seconds or longer) with soap and water by staff member and doctor before each patient encounter.

• We have always cleaned exam equipment between each patient and now we are cleaning exam exam room chair and counter between each patient as well.

• Doorsknobs, counters, and frames are disinfected frequently throughout the day.

• A thorough disinfection of the entire office done at the end of each clinic day.

Can COVID-19 affect the eyes?

It might be possible for coronavirus to cause a “pink eye” infection; but this is extremely rare. If you have a “pink eye” please call to let your eye doctor know and follow their instructions for care. Keep in mind that weather “pink eye” is caused by a virus or bacteria, it can spread if someone touches that sticky or runny discharge from the eyes, or touches the object contaminated by the discharge. This is another reason why it is important to frequently wash your hands with soap and water and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

Are contact lenses safe to wear during the COVID-19 pandemic?

As long as you are NOT experiencing any cold or flu symptoms, you can safely wear your contact lenses. Here are rules to follow for safely wearing contacts in all situations:

• Wash hands with soap and water before putting in your contacts and before removing your contacts.
• If you are using a monthly or biweekly contact lens, it is ideal to use a hydrogen peroxide based contact lens solution to store and clean your contact lenses. Make sure to store them for a minimum of 6 hours in the proper case designed for the care system. Refer to the care system solution instructions for further specification. An example of this type of cleaning system would be Alcon’s Clear Care or Clear Care Plus.
• Daily disposable contacts are to be discarded after each use at the end of that day’s wearing period.
• Remember to dispose your contact lenses at the correct replacement frequency. The replacement period is from the date you opened the new new pack of lenses, regardless of how may days over the month or two weeks that you wore the contact lenses.

Should you wear contact lenses if you have a cold or flu?

You should NOT wear contact lenses if you have a cold or flu. It is recommended that contact lenses be discontinued and current pair of contact lenses be disposed. Once the cold or flu has completely resolved, a new, fresh pair of contact lenses can be worn.

Can I try on frames at this time?

Of Course! In addition to cleaning each frame after it is tried on, we are continually cleaning all frames and surfaces with disinfectant to maintain the highest level of cleanliness. We also provide additional hand sanitizer for customer use.

Can I still get my new frames fitted when picking them up?

Yes! We ask that you set up an appointment to pick up your frames so we can ensure that we have an optician ready to fit them for you.

Should you disinfect spectacles and sunglasses?

Spectacles and sunglasses are on your face; it is important to clean them regularly. With COVID-19, cleaning them daily can be beneficial. A simple way to clean your glasses is with warm water and a mild dish soap (without lotion or bleach additive), making sure to clean all areas of the frame, nose pads and lenses. Then dry your frames with a clean, and soft (non-abrasive) towel. After that, you can further clean your lenses with a lens cleaner spray and lens cloth.

Does wearing my glasses protect from COVID-19?

Corrective glasses or sunglasses can shield your eyes from infected respiratory droplets. However, keep in mind that they DO NOT provide 100% security. The virus can still reach your eyes from the open sides, tops and bottoms of your glasses. For better protection, you must use safety googles if you are caring for a sick patient or potentially exposed person.

Can I rub my eyes safely during the COVID-19 pandemic?

It can be hard to break this natural habit, but doing so will lower your risk of infection. If you feel an urge to itch or rub your eye or even adjust your glasses, use a tissue instead or your fingers.

Can I still use my lubrication eyedrops or eye medications?

Yes, for example, dry eyes can lead to more rubbing of the eyes and eyelids. Remember to wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after using your lubrication and/or prescription eyedrops.